www.iFourWinns.com

This is the first time looking at this forum. It is very informative and the posters seem very helpful. I have been searching through the forum for about three hours now. I have seen a few posts concerning the H260, but most are for the H240's and smaller. Would someone who owns a H260 or someone with knowledge of this model, please reply to this post? I would like to know what a fair price for a H260 would be. I am most likely going to load it up with everything except for the trailer and arch using either a Merc 496 or Volvo 8.1. I live in Kansas City and plan on using the boat at Table Rock Lake in southwest Missouri near Branson. My buddy and I are planning on buying the same brand of boat, from the same dealer at the same time. We're hoping to get a better deal that way.

I would also like to know the pluses and minuses of these boats and a general overview of how you like your boats. Thank you in advance and look forward to your replies.

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Dan
Possible New H260 Owner

Welcome! You make member #4 from KC, and my family boats at TR every summer also, slipping at Port of Kimberling. What part of town do you live in?

For pricing, best bet is to "build your boat" on the FW web site, get the total MSRP, then deduct a minimum of 16%. You should easily be able to get that much off MSRP, and probably closer to 20%, more than that is gravy. Have you talked to any dealers yet?

I'd put FW design right up there with any of the large-scale production builders. And their attention to things like storage space exceeds everyone else IMO. Their warranty is great and my experience is that they stand behind it.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Excellent! Another KC FW owner. If I could only find a few more who actually BOAT in the area!

Go for the Merc... Don't let anyone on this board tell you otherwise! And get the SS package while you're at it!... A real head-turner.

If you are not already in contact, speak with Nolan at Village Marina down at the Ozarks. 573-365-1800. Tell him you got the number from Walter. Mike seems to have good things to say about thier service department.
Paul has been using the dealer in Topeka without incident.
I have heard rumor KC Marine in Lee's Summit will sell FW eventually, but nothing substantiated yet.

Good Luck and welcome aboard!

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Walt B
"Debt-Charged"
Black '07 H210SS
6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.

Welcome! A great resource (and new owner of an H260) would be Flying Sushi. He went through the decision process on the big boat.

Whatever you go with, you obviously know the big block is a must. Unless you go the Merc DTS route, the Volvo will be a bit smoother shifting. And watch out for opinions on the side exhaust -- you'll get varying opinions. From what I know, you need a big block to actually get any performance improvement - otherwise it's just a noise maker. But it might be worth it if you get the big block... you could see some performance gains.

As for pricing... you have a couple things going for you. 1) The H260 has a much bigger "margin" than the smaller boats. 2) You are going to load it up with options which are profit centers. And the best part - 3) you are looking at a 2'fer deal. I guarantee that ANY dealer would love to earn your business. Given those factors - I would push for a MINIMUM 25% discount. I would bet you could push closer to 28% or so and probably get there. If your buddy gets anything bigger than a 220 - he should also push for the same. Smaller boats -- don't expect the huge discounts because the margins aren't there.

Get your order in soon - or you may be boat-less until July!

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Mike and Walt, thank you for the welcome.

Mike, I'll use your pricing formula. We purchased a condo in Hollister at the Emerald Point development. We are two points north of Big Cedar Lodge (if you are familiar with it). I am also considering the Chaparral 276SSX, the Monterey 278 SSX and possibly the Regal 2700. Any thoughts on these boats compared to the FW?

Walt, not a KC FW owner yet. Unfortunately, I won't be boating in the KC area either. I don't plan on buying a trailer for the boat, so Table Rock is the place. I did not see on the FW web site that the H260 has a SS package option available. Do you know if it is offered? I love the graphics. I have been all over the internet about Merc vs. Volvo and seems like it's a Coke or Pepsi situation. You either like Coke or you like Pepsi, there does not seem to be a consensus for either camp. I'd like your thoughts on the Merc. I have been talking to Trey Price at Village Marina. Help me out here...how will it work for service, if I buy a boat from a dealer at the Lake of the Ozarks and use it at Table Rock where there isn't a FW dealer? I won't have a trailer to take it to Village. Would someone have to service at my High & Dry or would they have to come get it. How does that work...cost?

This will be my first boat, so I hope I don't seem foolish with some of my questions.

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Dan
Possible New H260 Owner

As a likely FW owner myself I intend to go with the Merc mainly because there are lots of dealers where I am. The general concensous seems to be horses for courses. Having said all that I dont want to be called a B..... volvo driver (Hee Hee) Seriously though the after sales service you get can make or break your enjoyment as opposed to saving a few $$$ on the initial price .
Ardy
Adelaide South Australia
PS: there are 2 good days in boat ownership the day you buy em,and the day you sell em????
B O A T stands for bring out another thousand
PSS: I wouldn't be without one!!!

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Ardy
Adelaide South Australia
Red H180 3.0 Merc

To clarify, it's Paul who bought and gets service done at LOTO - my dealer's in Topeka.

There's no problem with getting the boat delivered to TR, you'll just have to work out the cost & scheduling with the dealer, whoever that is. The only real issue could be that if for any reason you need warranty service, the selling dealer is somewhat reasonable in expecting the boat to be taken to their place for the analysis and any repair work. As you know there are no FW dealers at TR (a fact that has always amazed me). If you know of a Volvo Penta certified shop nearby, I frankly recommend you go with Volvo. If not, you'll save yourself some headaches with Merc. Either way, drive train warranty issues are separate from all other issues - if you have a fiberglass problem, upholstery, electrical, etc., your FW dealer is probably going to want you to deliver the boat to them for the work. Hence the fact that 98% of the boats at TR are Crownlines, since they seem to have a monopoly on dealers there.

Generally the rule of thumb on Merc vs Volvo is to go with whatever is easiest to get serviced in your area. For anywhere in MO, that usually means Merc. And that's all I have to say about that .

I'm the last one qualified to opine on the other boats you're considering, other than to say they're all great brands and great quality. I recommend you sea trial as many of your candidates as possible before jumping head first into what is a pretty large boat for a first-time buyer. There are many subtle things you'll notice (and possibly dislike) about any given model that you'll never see until you're on the water with it. We were ready to put a deposit down on a Funship until we actually drove it, and discovered that the top edge of the windshield fell directly in the center of my line of sight. It didn't do that sitting on the trailer.

While this isn't the most comfortable time of year to drive a boat, we were sea trialing them at LOTO in March with our coats on, it can be done.

I echo Cougar's sentiments on the discounts. In '05 we did 24% off MSRP plus they paid for the extended warranty, although that was through a VERY low overhead dealer (which is not the case with the LOTO dealer, however). But the bigger boat and the 2fer should gain you some real buying power. Just make sure you're getting what you want, and that all the transportation and warranty service expectations are understood.

I'm not familiar with the Emerald Point area, but it seems like we've driven by Big Cedar Lodge (or maybe I just remember the name from looking up places to stay on the net). We've thought about buying into a condo there, but don't think we're quite to that point yet (teenagers with issues ).

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Welcome aboard. I owned a 2006 Horizon 240 and I loved everything about Four Winn’s quality and performance. 240 is a perfect size for about 6 to 8 people. However, We started feel little tight with 4 adults and 4 kids, which we typically go out with so we decided to up size to H260. I ordered my H260 on late August. Unfortunately I could not take delivery before the winter came so I have to wait until April to take her out for 1st time..... I test ride a H260 before I ordered and it was impressive ride with VP 5.7 Gxi/DP so 8.1 would be just remarkable and should hit 56 to 58MPH wot. The boat cut thru chop and swell very well and very stable. I noticed that the quality and detail of 2008 models have improved since my 2006 as well. I do not think H260 is not as big as the most people think since the length (26’) count with 1.5 feet of swim platform so I would say the boat is more like 25 footer. Therefore H260 is considerably smaller than Chaparral 276SSX, the Monterey 278 SSX and weights only 4900 lb. I feel Horizon have one of the best looking body lines of all sport boats out there and really attract people.

My H 260 has following Options
-Classic Color Band (Navy)
-VP 8.1 Gi/DP
-Docking Lights
-Table w Mount
-Swim Platform Mat
-Pump Out Head
-Dual Batteries
-Trim Tabs
-Ski Pylon
-Cockpit & Bow Cover
-Camper Canvas
-Bow Fill-in Cushion
-Spare Tire
-Gaterhyde Trailer

Suggested Retail $82,895.00

As a respect to dealer and manufacture I do not like to discuss purchased price on open forum but 25% from MSRP is a good target and maybe better if you order with another boat.

If this will be the 1st boat I would recommend getting a trailer even if you do not use often. I think it make more sense to have it for emergency as well as to keep resale value. Only issue is you have to come up with a Tow Vehiche as well.
Keep in touch

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08 H260 VP 8.1Gi DP.....Previous
2013 Crownline E6 Merc 8.2MAG BIIIX, DTS/SC

Welcome to the forum! I agree with Sushi in the fact that you shouild buy a trailer. They won't lose any value and don't add that much to the purchase price. It will save you from having to build a support system under the boat each fall. You don't necessarily need a tow vehicle i'm sure you could find somebody to haul the boat in and out every once and awhile. (You know all those buddies that want to go on the boat?!) and most marinas just store the trailers where they store the boats for the winter.

Why such a large boat for your first? I started with the H200 and jumped on a deal for the H260 but i am still kind of worried about handling a much larger vessell with my limited experience. I spent a few hours on the boat last fall and it was a way different experience to dock (especially with the fall winds!). It handled the chop just fine and I had no problems in the open areas but close quarters it will take some getting used to.

I looked at all the boats you are referring to at the boat show and I really liked the chapparall sunesta line and the doral elite series. You need to get behind the wheel and get afeel for what boat makes you feel the best. All the premium brands are trying hard to compete so the quality is very high all around. Look at storage!!! You won't realize until you've been out on the water for a season as too how much you will want to take along with you. What will be your intended use? If we know this we may be able to give you a few pros and cons.

Good luck hunting.

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Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

Thanks for the reply. My buddy put a deposit down on an H260 at the St. Louis Boat Show this weekend (jealous!!). They gave him the price he wanted for his 24' Sea Ray. However, we aren't ready to pull the trigger just yet. We would like to pay cash for it and need to get the funds put together. Hopefully we can get it done before the Boat Show season is over to get the deals. Do you really think Boat Show prices are that much better than other times of the year? When is the worst time to buy a boat?

As for going with a 26' for my first boat, I have been driving my two friends' bowriders for the past 4 years or so. I've driven the Sea Ray a couple of times, but spent most of the time driving my neighbor's 30' Crownline with a 9 foot beam. I do pretty well around the docks and handle them well for water sport activities, so the 26' won't be a problem.

As for the trailer, we have a high & dry that we will be using instead of a permanent marina. They put the boat in every morning and take it out every night. Ideal. I may go ahead and get a trailer just to have in case I want to take it to other lakes or if I need to take it in for service. I may see about going in on the trailer with my buddy if I get the same H260.

As for the Chaparral, I think we are leaning away from them right now. The weight is just too heavy compared to the FW or Monterey. I would think the added weight would affect the handling and performance. I am not familiar with the Doral brand. It looks like an interesting boat. Any info on them?

We plan on using it most of the time for water sports. We have a family of five, kids are 13, 11 & 7. We hope most of the time we will have other families with us, so a bigger boat is a must and with it yacht certified, we won't have a problem getting everyone on. This is one of the reasons I want to have a big block in it. That way I won't struggle as much getting skiers up with ten plus people on the boat.

One more thing I would like to ask. What do you think about extended warranties? I was thinking of adding another four years to the standard 2 year warranty. We plan on keeping this boat for several years. What do I need to look out for with these extended warranties?

Looking forward to what you think.

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Dan
Possible New H260 Owner

Dan

Sorry for me assuming that you had no experience! But you never know it's like the "eyes are bigger than your belly" scenario!!! The horizon is a great boat we had ten people on our H200 several times and it did just fine so the H260 will certainly be alot better.

Please trust us and buy the trailer! It will hold it's value especially if you don't use it. It will make the resale easier also because the guy who eventually buys your boat can drive up give you the cash and then hook on and go. He won't have to arrange for trucking, borrowing a trailer etc... This was the determining factor for me when I bought last fall. I almost bought a 2000 Searay 28 foot bow rider with twin 5.7's but it did not have a trailer and the nine foot beam meant even if I could find a trailer to borrow I couldn't pull it home myself. The Four Winns trailers may not be the best quality but they do the job just fine. And you will eventually want to visit other lakes so you'll have it for that. I haul my boat up river 30 minutes because I save having to deal with some pretty nasty chop around some islands coming off Lake Ontario and I save fuel (boat) plus I am in the heart of the Thousands Islands where we like to play.

The Chaparall may be heavier but I like the extra interior space. With the big block you probably wouldn't notice a difference in performance. Doral used to be a Canadian made boat but I think it was bought out by a US conglomerate. The 245 Elite series was at the Toronto Boat Show in a blue and white gell coat with the Ferrari brown interior and it was sharp!! I like the stainless hoops on the seats. Unfortunately, I have never been into the boat scene before last year and we kept to ourselves learning so that's all I know about either of these boats (no first hand experience)

Have you considered the new Four Winns SL262? It is an awsome boat interior space wise and the comfort levels are amazing! The funny looking bow will eventually blend right in. I think we will see more and more manufactureres going this way so they gain some interior space without having to lengthen the boats. The pricing I beleive is comparable to the H260. I know that we would have bought one hands down at the show if it wasn't for the fact that we already have two boats and the 2001 H260 was a steal that we just got last fall!

You may want to reconsider paying cash. the interest rates are currently low and it is always nice to have cash around for emergencies. Put the cash in a higher rate interest savings account and forget about it or let it pay the payments and then if something happens you can always just pay it off later. Cash is hard to accumulate so I like to keep as much as possible tucked away.

I can't make a comment on the extended warranty but i'm sure others here can.

Have fun looking! I would think that the boat show deals will dry up as soon as the shows are over and the dealers are back in their "homes" where the water will be opened up and they can get you buying more on impulse because the smell and feel will be in the air. Make sure any deal you make off season is contingent on a test drive! but, realistically the boat would have to be pretty bad for you to say no by that point because you will have already done a lot of seat time on drydock and researched the hell out of your decision and will be itching to give them your money so you can go and play!

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Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

Jumping into this one late-been out on vacation since last week.

Dan, welcome to the forum. You are doing the right thing in digging for as much info as possible before you buy.

I don't have any 260 experience, but I've got Village Marina experience to help you with. Don't assume that you and your buddy buying boats together will get you any sort of "deal" with Village. My brother and I both boat 220H's last year together from Village-it made no difference to them when it came to negotiation of price.

The only thing I "might" have gotten out of it was a free mooring cover. However, I'm not even sure of that due to our salesman's complete incompetence (he is no longer with VM). I say "might" because he never bothered to say, "I threw in a mooring cover for you for sending your brother to me" or anything like that. For all I know, it could have been his incompetence that turned into a mistakenly included mooring cover that he didn't catch at delivery time. I kept my mouth shut, as I got an expensive cover for free.

I would HIGHLY recommend purchasing through the boat show. The incentives and discounts are great at that time. If you do go with a FW and buy it from VM, make them throw in their Coast Guard package, a decent boat show discount/rebate, and 6 years' worth of warranty coverage at no cost to you.

Volvo v. Merc? I think someone said it best when they said Coke v. Pepsi. Biggest thing to consider (which was already mentioned) is that TLR probably has a LOT more Merc mechanics that would do warranty work for you.

Keep the ?'s coming if you need to.

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Paul
2007 Four Winns Horizon 220
Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI w/ Bravo III Drive
2004 Ford Explorer Limited (V8-AWD)
Pomme de Terre Lake (Southwest Missouri)

Thanks again for the great posts. We did look at the SL262. The look is great, with the slab sides, low swim platform and funky bow. Unlike you however, I thought the interior had less room than I would have thought. It has a small L-shaped seating area in the cockpit and IMO the bow seating is not good either. When anyone sits in the lounge seats facing forward you can't lay your legs flat because it is too short, you have to keep your knees bent. Just my opinion.

Thanks for the heads up on Village Marina. I will check out all of the details before I seal the deal and will not buy a boat until I test drive it for sure. I'll do my best to get the deal I want and hopefully get some things thrown in on the side. That mooring cover you got is worth about $800.00 isn't it?

As for the trailer. I'm going to have to give that more thought. I'll have to find a place to store it since since we will be storing the boat on the rack at the high & dry. If I can get a good deal on the boat with the trailer, I'll do it.

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Dan
Possible New H260 Owner

Dan, nice to meet another Table Rock guy. We bought our '05 260 from Lake Port Marina which is now Village Marina. Same salespeople though. Matt Hambly worked with us on our boat and I think they treated us right. Threw in the trailer to sweeten the deal.

We are two points north of the Chataeu. All the way at the end of the arm at a new development called Cedar Landing.

Love the boat even though it has the small block 6.2. Enough power for us and will do 50 mph.

Cope Marine in Branson West does all of my Mercruiser service work. Have nothing but good things to say about their service and turn around time.

Hope to see you around!

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05' 250 Horizon
6.2MPI 320HP
Bravo III

Yes, I think the cover was something like $745. A nice throw-in. I've met Trey down at VM, he is a good guy. I think I liked him more than my salesman right away. Plus, my salesman was a cardinals fan and Trey is a Royals fan.

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Paul
2007 Four Winns Horizon 220
Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI w/ Bravo III Drive
2004 Ford Explorer Limited (V8-AWD)
Pomme de Terre Lake (Southwest Missouri)